Fresh violations of ceasefire agreement reported in Sierra Leone: UN mission

The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) today said the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) had reported new ceasefire violations by the government-backed Civil Defence Force (CDF) in two villages controlled by the rebel group.

The rebels claim the violations occurred on 14 and 15 May in the RUF-controlled Kono district, the UN operation said in a statement issued in Freetown.

UNAMSIL Force Commander Lieutenant-General Daniel Opande was told of the reported allegations by RUF interim leader Issa Sesay during a meeting with the RUF yesterday in Koidu. Gen. Opande was conducted around the villages that were attacked and expressed his regret over what he called an "unfortunate" incident. He also expressed confidence over the outcome of the 15 May Freetown meeting between the RUF and Government of Sierra Leone and the hope that the two sides would send messages to their front line commanders to abide by the ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, senior UN mission officials travelled to Kambia to sensitize local RUF representatives about the upcoming disarmament process agreed upon in Freetown on Tuesday.